For many people, the thought of using a public bathroom can be distressing and uncomfortable – and with good reason. Public bathrooms have a reputation for being one of the easiest places to pick up unwanted germs and viruses, and viral hepatitis is just one of many viruses to be aware of. Although there are valid reasons for concern, understanding how the virus is transmitted as well as learning how to take preventative measures may help ease your worries.

The three most common types of hepatitis are A, B and C. Fortunately there are vaccines to help prevent the transmission of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. But a vaccine for Hepatitis C has yet to be discovered. Hepatitis A is spread through the fecal/oral route. This can be relatively easy to avoid by making sure you wash your hands thoroughly and properly with soap and warm water. Hepatitis B, for the most part, is transmitted through blood contact but has been found in other bodily fluids like sweat and saliva. The odds of contracting Hepatitis B while using a public bathroom are very slim considering that you would have to have open cuts on your body that were exposed directly to the virus from the toilet seat, door handles, etc. Lastly, Hepatitis C is only transmitted from blood to blood contact. It is next to impossible to contract or spread HCV by using public bathroom facilities.

Making a point to wash your hands after using the restroom as well as before you eat are always good habits to keep. This will help to prevent the spread of many illnesses as well as viral hepatitis. The more we know about the transmission of the virus the more we realize that there is very little reason to be concerned about transmitting the virus in a public bathroom. Learn more about viral hepatitis today.